Write-up of Cambridge Science Festival’s talk: How to spot a shabby statistic – 12 March 2013, 7.30pm – 8.30pm

With Cambridge Science Festival now in full swing, I took the plunge last week and decided to take advantage of this fantastic, free festival right on my doorstep (this is shameful as I have lived here most of my life – better late than never eh?).

So on Tuesday 12 March I opted to go to a talk on ‘how to spot a shabby statistic’ by Professor David Spiegelhalter. With my increasing interest in the news and how legitimate science/health stories really are, this talk seemed apt. It also happens to be the International Year of Statistics – you learn something new every day!

Photo credit: BBC News website

As I got to the Babbage Lecture Theatre, it was brimming with an electric energy and filled up extremely fast (turns out the event was fully booked). I loved it – it was like being back at university again, but this time I imagined that I was a Cambridge University student. These kind of events are also great for this reason – they open up places to the public that could otherwise never be accessed.

Professor David Spiegelhalter stole the show – his enthusiasm, extensive knowledge and charisma turned what could have been a potentially dull subject into a fascinating debate, challenging the audience to question whether we can trust the stats we see in the news. Below are a few of the main points he raised:

• Headlines are exaggerated - generalised words such as ‘up to’ and ‘about’ are always suspect. A careless example of generalisation is portrayed in the following stat: ’10% of all deaths could be avoided’. The word all is particularly problematic. 
• No independent comment – is there a critique of this? If not, then it’s most likely to be fictional. 
• Small? Always look at how many people were involved in the study the article is based on – you cannot apply results based on a study of 8 people to the whole population. For example, one article stated that there is a ’38,000 increase in unemployed’. However, unemployment is based on a survey! 
• The same point goes for just a single study? Even if the study was carried out on a large sample, is it representative? 
• Higher risk? Journalists use the common ‘mechanism of shifting possible risk to absolute risk’ just to sell a story. For example, the headline ‘Daily fry up increases risk of cancer by 20%’ is completely inaccurate. Professor David Spiegelhalter worked out that eating a sausage a day would only cut 20 minutes off your life each day…and who wants to live until they’re 80 anyway? Might as well enjoy that sausage while you can! Professor David Spiegelhalter comically demonstrated this by eating real sausages live in front of the audience – a great touch. 
• Graphics? Often the images that accompany the article are manipulated to aid the deception. Seeing is not believing. 
• PR Puff – half the picture, what am I not being told? Be cynical, don’t take anything at face value. The article/stat could be based on a hidden motive from an organisation, for example advocating their sponsor/their mission. 
• Relevance unclear? The recent articles stating that a cure for Alzheimer’s disease has been found stem from tests on mice. Is this really the same? 
• Unjustified advice? A recent article stated that ‘Fizzy drinks make teenagers violent’. Again, the sample for this was tiny and it might be explained by other factors not considered.

Photo credit: Cambridge University

When the floor was opened up for discussion and questions, some interesting points came up about how there are problems with medical research, as volunteers tend to be relatively healthy and therefore aren’t representative of desired target groups. It was also discussed that there is no kitemark for what is statistically acceptable in branding guidelines as it is difficult to police and regulate.

Professor David Spiegelhalter rounded off his talk by concluding that, despite all the points he made, the handling of the news is slowly improving- it is not as bad as it used to be. On the whole, he has a very high opinion of current science correspondence and thinks the main stories aren’t unreasonable – the headlines are the main culprits.

Cambridge Science Festival runs until Monday 25 March – so don’t miss out! Check the website for What’s On.

New Year, New You: top tips for a healthy detox

Feel like you've overindulged this Christmas? According to The British Dietetic Association (http://www.bda.uk.com), on average, people eat their way through about 6,000 calories on Christmas day, and might gain from one – five lbs (2kg) over Christmas, leaving them feeling groggy and uninspired. But don’t fret; follow these simple nutritional tips to cleanse your body and mind and come away more energised and positive, ready to embrace the New Year ahead of you.

Warning: Detox vs. Diet
Detoxing should never be about restrictive dieting. It is about steadily getting your body back to a more balanced state, pre all the Christmas calories and excess alcohol. Nutritionist Lucy-Ann Prideaux who runs Simply Nutrition, (http://www.simply-nutrition.co.uk) suggests starting with a 10 day detox and adapting this as you go along. People will react at different times but you’ll know it’s worked once you feel ‘increased energy and mental clarity, better digestion, improved sleep and a general heightened feeling of well-being.’

Water is your best friend
Although it is common knowledge, many people still don’t drink enough water. Aim for 2 litres a day - easiest to measure using a large water bottle - and you will see the benefits. These include getting less headaches, feeling fuller after lunch and less sluggish in the afternoon. The good news is, the 2 litres include hot water and tea.

As strange as it sounds, evidence suggests that drinking a cup of plain, hot water every day is very good for you. As your body sweats from the high temperature of the water, this helps purify our bloodstreams and cleanses toxins out of the body. Despite being ‘plain’, heated up, the water has a rich, creamy taste.

If you get bored of plain water, opt for herb-based tea such as peppermint as it is a natural alternative to caffeine, seen as a ‘stressor’. Not only does it help you feel perky in the mornings but it is great for your skin and aids digestion. Dandelion tea is also great for cleansing your system, available in most health food shops such as Holland and Barrett (http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/). N.B. Although green tea is well known for its detoxing qualities, be aware it does contain caffeine.

Love your liver
The liver is one of the most vital organs in ‘detoxifying hundreds of toxic substances’ from the body including alcohol and caffeine. Therefore it is important to limit your alcohol intake, maybe keeping to one or two units once a week, for your liver to perform its daily detoxing duties (The British Liver Trust, http://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk).

Satisfy your sweet tooth
I know it’s easier said than done, especially after the festive season, but try cut down on foods high in fat, sugar and salt. If you’re craving something sweet, indulge in a tablespoon of honey or use it to sweeten your tea/porridge. Naturally fat free, honey also slowly releases energy and helps fight those cravings. Fruit is also a good source of natural sugar. Francois Lubbe, UK Editor at the HSI (Health Sciences Institute, http://hsionline.com/) recommends keeping an apple or pear handy when you want something sweet and avoiding fruit juice, commonly thought to be healthy, as it contains a high level of purified sugar. The time it takes to physically chew fruit breaks down the sugar and the skins contain lots of essential vitamins.

Change what you cook in
When frying your food, why not swap your virgin olive oil for virgin coconut oil? Coconut oil has long been recognised as a healthy option for use in the kitchen, and it has been reported that it speeds up the metabolism by 48% (Simply Nutrition). Available in many health food shops (most commonly Holland and Barrett) or you can buy a special brand of coconut oil ‘Coconoil’ (http://www.coconoil.co.uk/) which is produced from coconuts grown in the west of Sri Lanka.

Go green
Nutritionist Lucy-Ann Prideaux swears by green leafy vegetables such as kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts and broccoli - they are packed with phytonutrients that boost detoxification. It’s also been said that if eaten at least 2 – 3 times a week, they may lower the risk of cancer. Add cleansing spices such as fennel, coriander and ginger to your meal and your body will be in heaven.

Attempt organic
If you can afford it, try and choose organic where possible, either in your local market or supermarket. It’s more likely to have been raised without drugs or chemicals. For a range of delicious organic, vegan and vegetarian food, visit the award-winning Rainbow Café in Cambridge (http://www.rainbowcafe.co.uk/). See below for other suggestions.

Suggested health food shops, cafes and websites

Health food shops
Holland and Barrett – health food shop all over the East http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/
Arjuna Wholefoods – Cambridge http://www.arjunawholefoods.co.uk/
Daily Bread Co-operative Ltd – Cambridge http://www.dailybread.co.uk/
Revital - Cambridge https://www.revital.co.uk/

Cafes, restaurants and pubs
The Rainbow Café – organic, vegan and vegetarian food in Cambridge http://www.rainbowcafe.co.uk/
The Veggie Red Lion – vegetarian food in Gt Bricett (Suffolk) http://www.theveggieredlion.co.uk/
The Pulse Cafe Bar – veggie, vegan and gluten-free food in Norwich http://pulsecafebar.co.uk/

My article can also be found published on Eastlife's website: http://www.eastlife.co.uk/new-years-detox
and in Eastlife's January 2013 magazine (page 17): http://www.eastlife.co.uk/eastlife-january-2013  

My top 3 inspiring songs of 2012

As with any year, 2012 has had its ups and downs. To get me through the harder times, I've relied on a few key songs to help me stay positive and inspired.

Here are my top 3 songs: 

Who's laughing now? - Jessie J

My favourite lyric from this is 'I'm still rising' as it suggests you can never be defeated. 

Public Enemy - Harder Than You Think

This song gives me goosebumps and will always take me back to the Paralympics, reminding me how inspirational those athletes were in that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. 

The Script - Hall of Fame

I find this song extremely empowering - it similarly states that only you can control your own destiny and to actively pursue your dreams. 

Wishing you all a Happy New Year - I hope you achieve all the happiness and success you deserve.

Inspirations from London 2012

As 2012 comes to an end, I'd like to reflect on the amazing amount of sport it's housed and witnessed in the UK. It's been named 'the greatest year in the history of British sport', with a focus on the Olympics in London this summer. This success was recently celebrated at the BBC's Sports Personality Of The Year Awards (SPOTY). It was Bradley Wiggins who won this title, being the first Briton to win the Tour de France and then claim Olympic gold.

It is awards and triumphs such as these that have inspired many in the UK to try out new sports or revisit ones they left behind years ago. Including myself. Following on from my last post, I'm itching to tell you about my rowing taster day with City of Cambridge Rowing Club in November. But before I do, I'd like to share a few memories and highlights from my time at the Paralympics in September:

We're here!

Paralympic athletics

Aled Davies wins gold medal in the discus

Me and Chris

Goalball - Japan v Australia

Experiencing goalball for the first time

Wheelchair basketball - Poland v Germany

Supporting my homeland team - Poland

Lovely end to the day

Chariots of Fire 2012: we did it!

Sorry for the radio silence, my evenings have recently been taken up with training (quite) hard for the Chariots of Fire relay race 2012, which happened last Sunday 16 September...

After much anticipation, I am proud to say my team and I completed the 1.7 mile (2.7K) relay race in 1 hour and 35 minutes. I also managed to achieve my personal best of 15 minutes! 

Me sporting my number,  medal and t-shirt! 

Although I swore afterwards that I would never do it again, the pain seems a distant memory now and the temptation is kicking in. Is this the addiction runners talk about? Have I crossed that threshold? 

In the meantime, I am hopefully going to keep going for runs in the evenings (I wake up at night you see), and push myself to run further each time. Maybe I will even enter a 5K run...who knows. I am also currently waiting for City of Cambridge Rowing Club to get back to me about a one day taster course in October...exciting times! 

I know my sudden sport frenzy has definitely been influenced by the Olympics this year and then attending some athletics, goalball and wheelchair basketball at the Paralympics shortly after - pictures coming soon.

 The idea of trying out rowing came about once I had watched Katherine Copeland and Sophie Hosking win gold in the women's lightweight double sculls. As with many I've spoken to, I never imagined the Olympics would affect me in this way, or even at all, but I'm extremely happy they have. 

Katherine and Sophie overjoyed by their success

It's been a great year for sport and I'm hoping it has and will inspire many, like me, to carry on and try new things.

Chariots of Fire: to run or not to run?

My friend kindly reminded me today that I agreed to enter Chariots of Fire a couple of months ago.

This is an annual charity race in Cambridge, this year on Sunday 16 September 2012, following in the footsteps of the famous film. Each team of six journeys through the streets and colleges of Cambridge, running a 1.7 mile course in relay format.

If you know me at all, you'll know that I find nothing worse than running. Walking or cycling any day. Running, not a chance. So why did I agree? 

To run or not to run? 

• Well, avid runner friends have always raved how liberating it is and the sense of achievement after a race is indescribable and exhilarating. It's also free and limitless. This is true, the rates I pay for the gym are stupidly high! Maybe I'm halfway convinced...
• My boyfriend is also aiming to complete a half marathon in October and has been at me for months to start running with him. I think his persistence paid off as I finally gave in and reluctantly made my way down to the park near my work on Thursday evening. I'd been trying to put it off all day - the rain was a great excuse - but conveniently it stopped raining as soon as I finished work. 
• I have to say, the first lap round the park was excruciating - my breathing was all wrong, my heart was burning and we kept stopping (probably not the best form of exercise to ease myself back into it after a week of no physical activity and gluttony at a work conference!). 
• However, a few more laps in and my fitness levels quickly adapted - I pushed through the pain and got into a nice rhythm. I think the first time is the worst - once past this barrier, it's all uphill (not literally I hope!). 

To run: So, despite my resistance to running in the past, I think I will persevere with it - at least until the race is over - I'd hate to let any one down...and you never know, to quote Casablanca this may be 'the beginning of a beautiful friendship'.

Plus, it's for a good cause - this year funds are being raised for charities; Cambridge Past, Present & Future and Cam Sight. 

If you have any tips on running or completing a race, please get in touch. Or if you've done Chariots of Fire before, please leave your comments and share your experiences here. 

I'll be posting any updates on this, so watch this space :) 

My love for health comms: where it began

To christen this blog, I thought I'd start it with the thing that inspired me to take an interest in health communications.

As I mention on my 'Who am I?' page, my real love for health communications began when I volunteered with the British Liver Trust as part of a placement at Bournemouth University.

The Communications Manager kept mentioning how useful it would be to measure to what extent the stigma of liver disease was affecting donors and general public perception - and so the idea for my final year dissertation was born!


It was so rewarding knowing I was creating a piece of research that would actually help contribute to real life issues. It was then I realised the power of health communication and fell under its magical spell. I have been captivated ever since. 



Just to give you an idea of the content, here is a quick summary of my aim and findings:

Aim: to examine the extent to which a sample of the UK public stigmatised liver disease and whether their level of education was related to their level of stigmatisation.

Findings: 

• the sample did stigmatise liver disease to a certain extent, as they believed it was purely caused and self-inflicted by alcoholism,

• however, this stigmatised perception did not stop the sample supporting a liver disease sufferer, even if they were responsible for their condition,
• results also showed that a higher level of education may loosely result in increased knowledge of liver disease and therefore lower stigmatisation, 
• yet it was found that the type of education and experience attached to it were more strongly related to the sample’s knowledge and level of stigmatisation.

Overall, findings suggest that the existing stigmatisation of liver disease can be easily reduced and prevented by introducing it into the secondary curriculum and increasing public awareness of the other types of liver disease through campaigns and medical centres.

To read my full dissertation, please click here. I hope you find it as interesting as I did - please get in touch with any feedback you may have. Thank you.